Titans' White played 2007 with torn meniscus

LenDale White says his surgically repaired left knee feels fine as he took part in organized team activities on Tuesday after revealing he played all of 2007 with a torn meniscus.

White, who had arthroscopic surgery in January, had been limited to individual work in last week’s open workout.

White suffered the injury in preseason last August.

“This happened last year in preseason. I tore my meniscus,” White said. “I played on it all season. Contrary to what people believe, I am a soldier. I played on it all year and I didn’t complain, not once. I waited until the season was over to get it fixed and now I’m feeling good.”

White played in all 16 games last season and the Titans AFC Divisional playoff loss at San Diego, rushing for 1,110 yards in the regular season. Despite posting a breakthrough season, White said the injury bothered him plenty at times last year.

“It affected me a lot, because it took me a long time to get warmed up. It was catching a lot and it hurt on certain days,” White said. “When we played San Diego, it was hurting bad. I came in and tried to put Ben Gay on it and Flexall 454, and I tried to get it warmed up as best I could. But now, I’m back and it’s 100 percent and it feels good.”

White is still expected to be the Titans starting running back this season, but the addition of rookie first-round pick Chris Johnson could create not only a complement in the backfield, but perhaps some competition for the carries. Johnson is a speed running back, whereas White, who has played at around 240 pounds is a power back.

“I don’t view me giving up my spot anytime soon, and that’s not a knock at anybody here, but I’m going to work hard. I think it’s great that we’ve brought in a guy like him that can come in and change the pace up,” White said.

White still has conditioning issues with his weight, as he appears to be around 10 pounds or so over where the Titans would like him to be at 235. Fisher indicated the recovery time from the knee surgery has played a role in the conditioning.

RETURNING: Starting free safety Michael Griffin was back at practice after missing time last week to take finals at the University of Texas.

Like quarterback Vince Young, Griffin is closing in on earning his bachelor’s degree.

“I’ve got three hours left and I’m planning on doing that by correspondence course,” Griffin said. “They’ve given me nine months to finish this one course, but I’m going to try to get it over ASAP.”

LONG ROAD BACK: Receiver Roydell Williams said Tuesday he has no real timetable for when he will be back, but is hopeful he can come back by the start of training camp.

Williams suffered a broken ankle during the week of preparation for the playoff game against the Chargers and had to have a plate and screws inserted into the leg to heal the break at the base of his right tibia.

“There’s no telling. It’s coming slow but I’m progressing every day,” Williams said of his rehab and return.

According to Williams, he will play this season with the plate and screws in the leg, then have them removed after the season.

Just from watching, he likes what he has seen from new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger’s system.

“He’s a very smart coordinator. The thing I like most about him is he listens to what the players have got to say. He allows you to be a football player instead of a robot,” Williams said.

Asked to explain that, Williams said, “He just allows you to play football. Before, it was just a certain way we had to do things, and that was it. But now, you basically get open.”

Williams tied Justin Gage for the team lead with 55 receptions.

ALSO OUT: Guard Leroy Harris was held out of Tuesday’s practice after twisting his knee. Long snapper Ken Amato remains out recovering from knee surgery.

Receiver Roydell Williams is still out as he rehabs from ankle surgery.